Normal life remained crippled across Kashmir Valley for the second day today due to the 50-hour general strike called by separatists against holding of elections in the state.

Normal life remained crippled across Kashmir Valley for the second day today due to the 50-hour general strike called by separatists against holding of elections in the state.

The streets in Srinagar and other major towns of the valley wore a deserted look as security forces restricted the movement of people to scuttle anti-election protests.

Voting is in progress in Baramulla and Ladakh parliamentary constituency in the fifth and final phase of polls.

Security personnel were not allowing people to venture outside their localities and roads in the city have been sealed and only vehicles with special passes are being allowed to move.

Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in strength and were seen patrolling the deserted streets to maintain law and order.

Residents alleged that security forces are not allowing them out of their homes, a charge denied by Police.

"There is no curfew in any part of the valley. Only Security has been beefed up and the jawans directed to strictly enforce prohibitory orders banning assembly of four or more persons to maintain law and order," a police spokesman said.

Reports from other district headquarters spoke of a complete shutdown for the second day today.

Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel have also been deployed in Srinagar and other major towns of the valley after the 50-hour strike called by chairman of hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani began on a violent note on Monday with youth, chanting anti-poll slogans, clashed with police at several places here.

Geelani is under house arrest since April 12, while chairman of moderate Hurriyat Mirwaiz Umer Farooq was put under house arrest on Monday evening, second time within the past fortnight.

Chairman of JKLF Mohammad Yaseen Malik was placed under house arrest on April 23, shortly after he launched an anti-election campaign.